As the days start to get longer – J.J. Clarke from CTV News in Ottawa tells us that we have 3 minutes more daylight with each passing day – the warmth and intensity of the sun’s rays are also increasing. This picture taken late in the afternoon of wild bittersweet growing along the shores of the Bonnechere River in North Algona Wilberforce Township, Renfrew County, add a welcome bit of color to the classic blues and whites of winter.

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Christmas in Renfrew County is always a special time of year. As we celebrate the Birth of Jesus for the 2009th time, may we be ever mindful of the implications and blessings bestowed upon mankind because of this wondrous event.

I discovered this wonderful creche scene in the flower bed at the home of Revel Stewart in Cobden, Ontario during a visit this past year. Revel is a well known Ottawa Valley Auctioneer. It was late afternoon and the angle of the sun was exactly right to illuminate this wonderful folk art scene!

I hope Christmas was a time of blessing for you and I wish you all the best for the coming year! God bless!

It has been quite cold in the Ottawa Valley this winter. We have had several freezes and thaws between the intermittent snow storms, which transformed some of our lakes into exquisite, shimmering stretches of reflective ice. Ice fishing huts have been sighted in abundance throughout the region.

This solitary shack sits in elegant repose on the frozen waters of Lake Dore, visible from Highway 41 as you travel between Eganville and Pembroke.

Renfrew County is a four season fisherman’s paradise. Read more about Fishing in the Ottawa Valley on the OttawaValley.org website.

This old boathouse looks so peaceful in it’s winter riparian repose. Don’t be fooled! Every spring when the waters rise it threatens to abandon camp and take a ride on the wild side in the rushing spring runoff of the mighty Bonnechere River. A stalwart tree has taken matters in hand by firmly planting itself atop the roof after losing it’s battle with a determined beaver.

Be sure to mark you calendar for the February 28/March 1 2009 Bonnechere Cup Races in Eganville, Ontario.

Check this great photo gallery of the 2008 Bonnechere Cup races. Kudos to Jamie Johnston for some excellent photos!